Rio Ferdinand has warned Swansea City that Manchester United will be ready to hit the ground running as the champions start life under David Moyes at the Liberty Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The Swans host United as they begin their title defence in South Wales on August 17, the game representing the first league clash following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

And defender Ferdinand - who hit the winner in United's 2-1 win over the Swans in Fergie's final game at Old Trafford - insists the need to impress new man Moyes will make sure the Red Devils are ready to face Michael Laudrup's men.

"It is a lively start with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool in the first five games and Swansea away on the first day of the season," Ferdinand said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"Normally you get a few games to ease yourselves in, and find your feet but this time we must hit the ground running.

"We've got a new managers so we are going to be focused on impressing him but also focussed on making sure we are ready for the start of the season.

"It is going to be important, we need to get off to a good start and I'm confident we will do."

Ferdinand, a close pal of Swans own defensive star Ashley Williams, was missing in last year's Liberty fixture between the sides, the pre-Christmas clash ending in a 1-1 draw after Michu had cancelled out Patrice Evra's opener.

United follow up their trip to the Liberty by welcoming Jose Mourinho's Chelsea to Old Trafford while Swansea take on Tottenham and Wales star Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane.